02.01.2013 Views

Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

FIGHTER MISSIONS 339<br />

between the two forward escorts should be on the order of two to four<br />

fighter turn radii, but this distance may need to be modified for visibility<br />

considerations. They should be positioned ahead of the lead bomber at<br />

least as far as the enemy's short-range weapons-firing distance. This distance<br />

may have to be increased to provide coverage of threat FQ long-range<br />

missiles, as shown. Obviously the strike force will be extremely vulnerable<br />

to FQ missile attack if the escort is not similarly equipped. Denying<br />

such a threat would probably be the responsibility of remote escorts.<br />

Altitude for the forward escort is typically close to that of the strike force,<br />

maybe a little higher to give quicker response to short-range gun or rocket<br />

attacks, or possibly a little lower to provide look-up for better radar detection<br />

<strong>and</strong> FQ weapons guidance.<br />

A compromise between [free chase <strong>and</strong> close escort] was the "extended<br />

protection," in which fighters still flew in visible contact with the bomber<br />

force but were allowed to attack any enemy fighter which drew near to the<br />

main force.<br />

Lt. General Adolph Gall<strong>and</strong>, Luftwaffe<br />

Similarly, rear escorts are positioned behind the strike force to guard<br />

against RQ attacks. These elements are generally stationed near the<br />

enemy's maximum RQ weapons range relative to the trailing bombers of<br />

the strike force. When each side is equipped with similar weapons, this<br />

should allow detection <strong>and</strong> engagement of RQ attacks before they can<br />

Figure 9-2. Detached-Escort Positioning

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!